New Mexico Entertainment Magazine February 2020

New Mexico

Entertainment

V8 / Is2

FEBRUARY 2020

e v o L SUE THE

IS

FOR THE LOVE OF

HARRY CONNICK JR. The New Orleans crooner is back in Albuquerque with a new tour and celebrating the 30th Anniversary of “We Are In Love.”

Sundance Recap

Taylor Garrett

Carpenters Remembered

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13th ANNUAL NEW MEXICO

Four Years in a Row!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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LET US ENTERTAIN YOU

Alice in Wonderland Ballet

New Mexico Philharmonic and New Mexico Ballet Company join forces for this trip down the rabbit hole.

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TURN IT UP

We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered Michelle Berting Brett brings the magic of The Carpenters to the Popejoy stage

COVER STORY

We’re just wild about Harry!

Harry Connick, Jr. celebrates love in his upcoming concert True Love: An Intimate Performance

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Photo by ® Universal Music Group

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TURN IT UP

The King’s Singers

Fresh off their 50th anniversary tour, the sextet returns to Santa Fe. Ne w Mex ic o Ent ert ainment I

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20 Sayaka Ganz

Art is a love for many. For Sayaka Ganz, her art is a love of nature and harmony.

19 NOW SHOWING Top End Wedding Planning a wedding, when it comes to family, is never easy.

23 BETWEEN THE PAGES Calibama Cooking Tasty recipes from a California native with Alabama influences.

20 THE ART WORLD Sayaka Ganz: Reclaimed Creations Currently showing at The New Mexico Museum of National History and Science.

30 EXTRAS Taylor Garrett Scott Feuille’s bold move in changing the way whiskey is made.

25 THE CUT Anatolia Albuquerque’s new Mediterranean restaurant is serving up a strong menu.

32 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Events happening around the state.

22 BEHIND THE SCENES Blush & Whimsy Micaela Brown continues to make her customer smile with her new product line.

26 FOLLOW-UP Sundance Film Festival Learn more the films and exhibitions that peaked our interest.

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34 SIGHTSEEING Check out what you missed last month.

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February 2020 Volume 8 Issue 2 Editor-in-Chief Teresa Robinson-Ewers NMEntertains@gmail.com Staff Photographer M.T. West Contributors Teresa Ewers M.T. West NME Board Teresa Ewers Ariel Bisbee Darlene Esquibel Winter Elise Eddie Robinson Subscriptions New Mexico Entertainment magazine is $24 a year within the Continental United States. Please place your order online at www.

NMEntertains.com. Please note the first issue will take 4-6 weeks.

All events submissions can be placed at NMEntEvents@gmail.com 4200 Silver Avenue SE, Suite C Albuquerque, NM 87108 505.450.4706

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WORDS FROM THE PUBLISHER

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ebruary is the month of love.

So we thought we should take a look at some of the things we love and artists that are still making us fall in love. This month’s cover is a man who is celebrating love from all different angles. Harry Connick Jr is celebrating the 30th anniversary of We Are In Love, while presenting a new tour True Love: An Intimate Performance.

We are still reeling from our visit to Utah for this year’s Sundance Film Festival. We had a great time learning about the latest films and multimedia projects that were accepted from a total of 15,100 submissions including 3,853 feature-length films. There were many entries that caught our eye including The Killing of Two Lovers

starring Clayne Crawford and Nine Days starring Winston Duke.

The festival also offered some eyeopening moments with All Kinds of Limbo and Still Here.

Whether it’s a love of music or love of good food, this issue will have something you can fall in love with. Thank you again for continuing to check out New Mexico Entertainment and we will see you next month.

Teresa RobinsonEwers Publisher/Editor-inChief New Mexico Entertainment

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LET US ENTERTAIN YOU

Alice in Wonderland Ballet

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he New Mexico Philharmonic and the New Mexico Ballet Company invite you to leap down the rabbit hole with Alice for a fully staged, thrilling night of fantastical music and dance! It’s the Alice in Wonderland Ballet at Popejoy Hall on February 29th at 6:00 p.m.

David Felberg, conductor, Anna Sofia Bridge, director, Amanda Rohr, Alice, original choreography by Natalie Harris, and performed to the music of Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1, “Classical”; Alexander Glazunov’s The Seasons: “Winter,” “Summer,” and “Autumn,” and Symphony No. 4; Bedrich Smetana’s The Bartered Bride: “Polka” and “Dance of the Comedians”; and Anatoly Lyadov’s The Enchanted Lake.

Albuquerque native, violinist, and conductor David Felberg is Associate Concertmaster of the New Mexico Philharmonic. He also serves as Artistic Director and co-founder of Chatter Sunday, Chatter 20-21, and Chatter Cabaret. Anna Sofia Bridge discovered her love for ballet while growing up dancing in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She became the School Director for the New Mexico Ballet Company. Amanda Rohr studied on full scholarship at The Jillana School rounding out her ballet technique in the Balanchine style. This is Amanda’s sixth season dancing with NMBC. Tickets for all Popejoy Classics concerts can be purchased at unmtickets.com. NME - Courtesy of Popejoy Hall

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Carpenters Revisited

TURN IT UP

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ichelle Berting Brett has a dream as a kid - to sing like Karen Carpenter.

The music of The Carpenters has been discovered by generations and Brett keeps the discovery going with her show coming to Popejoy Hall, “We’ve only just begun: Carpenters Revisited on February 29th.

This definitive concert celebrates the music of one of the most successful recording acts of all time. Brett takes center stage accompanied by her band to re-create the Carpenters’ arrangements and sound. Michelle shares stories about the Carpenters to broaden the experience. Fans and reviewers alike love the show and swear that Michelle sounds just like Karen

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Carpenter. Brett sat down with us to discuss her love for The Carpenters and what we can expect with the show.

What is it about the Carpenters’ music that moves you?

First of all, the Carpenters’ music is the sound track of my life! I grew up with these beautiful songs as a farm girl in Saskatchewan, Canada. My very first “gig” was singing at my cousin Marianne’s wedding in Humboldt, Saskatchewan.

The songs I sang? “We’ve Only Just Begun” and John Denver’s “Annie’s Song”.

The melodies of these songs are magical and the lyrics reach our deepest emotions. Add the warmth of Karen’s vocal and her incredible phrasing and

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Richard’s stellar arrangements and you’ve got a recipe for a wonderful, nostalgic, musical journey.

Why do you feel the Carpenter sound is so beloved by fans?

I think part of it is the emotional content of these songs and also Richard had an uncanny intuition when it came to pairing a song with Karen’s voice. Many of the Carpenters’ hits were written by Richard Carpenter and a wonderful lyricist named, John Bettis, however, the Carpenters also recorded a number of covers by the greatest songwriters.

Many of their covers became the definitive versions of those songs owed to Karen’s beautiful interpretations and Richard’s singular arrangements.

people that worked with and knew Karen and Richard. Our Nashville band re-creates the Carpenters’ arrangements just as you remember them and you will be singing along to every word! We always hear after our shows, “You brought back so many good memories” and, “You made me cry. . .” It’s been a privilege to sing these songs and to connect with Carpenters’ fans all over the country.

Experience an intimate, behindthe-scenes portrait of the pop music phenomenon that defined an era, and sing along to “Close to You,” “Yesterday Once More,” “Rainy Days & Mondays,” and more! Tickets may be purchased online at popejoypresents. com. NME - Teresa Ewers

What can attendees expect during this show?

You are going to hear the Carpenters’ biggest hits, some amazing medleys, as well as fun album cuts that the Carpenters’ aficionados will be happy we’ve included! I also tell stories about their life and career and many are stories we’ve heard first-hand from

The melodies of these songs are magical and the lyrics reach our deepest emotions. Add the warmth of Karen’s vocal and her incredible phrasing and Richard’s stellar arrangements and you’ve got a recipe for a wonderful, nostalgic, musical journey.

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TURN IT UP

The King’s Singers

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he King’s Singers are back! Fresh off their 50th-anniversary tour, the vocal sextet returns to Santa Fe for another magical evening at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Known worldwide for their “seamless blend and pitch-perfect, liquid tone” (Washington Post), these Emmy- and Grammy-winners span genre, emotion, and time in their spellbinding performances. Whether exploring Renaissance classics, performing new commissions, or grooving to delectable crossover arrangements, this flagship British ensemble has something for everyone.

We asked baritone Chris Bruerton a few questions about the ensemble.

How did the group form?

The group was formed from six friends who attended King’s College, part of the University of Cambridge.

After graduating they kept performing together and had their debut concert as The King’s Singers on May 1, 1968.

How did they meet?

They were Choral Scholars, singing the daily services in the famous King’s Chapel.

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Where do their vocal inspirations come from?

One of the inspirations was a group from Germany called The Comedian Harmonists who formed in the late 1920s, an all-male ensemble of five singers and a pianist performing tight harmonies and a range of music from folk and classical songs through to modern-day popular favorites.

Valentine’s Day skeptic, there’s something for everyone!

The King’s Singers will perform in Santa Fe on February 22nd at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Visit https:// performancesantafe.org/ to purchase your tickets. NME - Teresa Ewers

What can we expect from this concert?

You can expect a whole lot of love songs throughout the ages. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a

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COVER STORY

y r r Ha FOR THE LOVE OF

ming es love in his upco ance at br le ce .

Jr , ck ni Harry Con An Intimate PerformGroup concert True Love: Universal Music Photos by ®

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was sixteen when I first heard his voice. It was smooth, silky, and had that New Orleans twang.

Harry Connick Jr. was the modern-day crooner during the ‘90s. His album “We Are In Love” made a name for itself. His big band sound broke through the newly founded grunge scene and slews of hip-hop artists. I saw him live in 1998, promoting his album, “She.” Now, celebrating the 30th anniversary of We Are In Love, Connick is heading back to Albuquerque on March 3rd for his concert “True Love - An Intimate Performance,” at the Kiva Auditorium. I just had to interview the man whose very voice brought couples together, found his true love, and continues to bring joy to millions of fans.

How does it feel to celebrate the anniversary of such an iconic album (“We Are In Love”)?

This album brings back such memories for me. It was the first recording [session] I ever brought Jill to. I had a lot of fun in the studio recording this one. Time really flies.

Tell us about this new tour. What can we expect with “True Love: An Intimate Performance?”

This tour is different for me. I call it an “intimate performance” because it’s with a smaller group of musicians. To the audience, it will feel like they are a fly on the wall in a very up-close and personal situation. This tour is ALL about the music.

What is your process when it comes to creating a song? What inspires you?

It starts with an idea, then a lyric, a melody, and then the harmony.

Almost every time, this is my process.

The song’s idea could be inspired by something external - something I see but most of the time, it’s a feeling that I feel compelled to write about in a song.

You’ve taken just about every opportunity that’s come to you: Broadway, TV, music. How do you choose?

I love all on that list! Fortunately, I have a great team that helps me channel my creative efforts into one project at a time. If not, I’d never get anything done!

You took what I saw as a bold move with “She.” Will we see another round of funk in the future?

I sure hope so - funk music is a big part of my life. I hope to do another [album]. They are a pure joy to make.

The music is a blast to perform.

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I’m obsessed with my art. I think they like that notion.

Is there a musician that you are still dying to work with?

I’ve worked with just about everyone.

But out of the newcomers, I think it’d be fun to record with Billie Eilish. I think she’s talented.

Why do you think your music stands the test of time in this electronic pop generation?

I love what I do. I think people respect sincerity. I try to make music with the best musicians, even if it’s not your cup of tea. I think people know that

Congratulations on your successful Broadway show. Cole Porter is a nice choice. What inspired you to develop the tribute?

Thanks! I’ve always loved Cole Porter’s music. I was a fan of his songs even before I knew they were his compositions. I’ve always wanted to do a songbook album - an album of songs by just one composer - and he’s always been my favorite.

What does the future hold for HCJ after Cole Porter?

Tons! I am working on a bunch of different ideas [for] music, film, tv, and stage. I’m busy developing ideas I’m passionate about. I can’t wait until I can make them all public!

What would you like your legacy to be?

I just hope I’m remembered. People know me for different things. I hope people know how much I love my

Top: Connick’s album, We Are in Love, came out 30 years ago this year. Bottom: Promo photos from the Cole Porter show N e w M ex ic o Ent ert ainment I

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wife and family, how much I love humanity and art, and how much I appreciate the gift of life and the importance of respect and hard work.

Tickets for True Love - An Intimate Performance are on sale now at http://www.albuquerquecc.com/ event/harry-connick-jr-launches-true-love-anintimate-performance-tour/ NME

- Teresa Ewers

Top to Bottom: Harry and wife, Jill, Connick on his television show, Harry, and a promo shot from Connick’s show, True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter

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NOW SHOWING

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Top End Wedding

amuel Goldwyn Films is set to release Wayne Blair’s delightfully fun romantic comedy Top End Wedding on Digital/VOD beginning February 21, 2020. It was co-written by Miranda Tapsell and Joshua Tyler, and stars Tapsell and Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody). The film had its world premiere at the 2019 Sundance festival and has since become the second highest-grossing Australian film this year in Australia. It has also been nominated for numerous Australian Academy of Cinema-Television Arts Awards, including best film and best lead actress.

In Top End Wedding, engaged and in love, Lauren and Ned have just ten days to find Lauren’s mother who has gone AWOL somewhere in the Northern Territory, reunite her parents and pull off their dream Top End Wedding. As the couple travel through the wild beauty of Australia’s Northern Territory landscapes they

meet unforgettable characters, find fulfillment and Lauren learns why her mother had to leave to find home. NME - Teresa Ewers

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Sayaka Ganz

THE ART WORLD

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When I step back, I can see that although we may approach the problem from different angles, we often have larger goals in common.

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rt is a love for many. For Sayaka Ganz, her art is a love of nature and harmony.

Using reclaimed metal and plastic objects as materials, Sayaka’s recent sculptures depict animals in motion with rich colors and energy.

“One of the important tasks for artists of our time is to bring more of the natural world back into people’s lives, especially in urban areas,” said Ganz. “When we encounter the true wonders of nature, the beauty we behold transcends our intellects and reaches directly to our hearts. I desire a similar response from viewers of my work; to provoke a re-examination of our relationship to the natural world.”

She describes her style as “3D impressionism”, creating an illusion of solid form using plastic objects as brushstrokes that become visible upon observation from close proximity. “My work is about perceiving harmony, even in situations that appear chaotic from the inside,” shared Ganz. “When observing my sculptures up close, one might see gaps, holes, and items being held on only by small points; step away, however, and the sculptures reveal the harmony created when the objects are aligned to the same general (but not identical) direction. Similarly,

it is important to gain perspective by stepping back from current problems and look at the larger picture. Then one can perceive the beauty and patterns that exist. I tend to be very analytical about problems, but when I look too hard and closely at the details, all I see are gaps and differences of opinions. When I step back, I can see that although we may approach the problem from different angles, we often have larger goals in common.”

Her recent exhibitions include “Danze Della Natura” – solo exhibition at the Hermann Geiger Foundation in Cecina, Italy, and “Metamorphosis” – temporary installation at the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska. Her recent commissions include a series of marine life sculptures for the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California and a permanent installation of an underwater scene featuring whales and turtles in the lobby of Cimer Spa at the Paradise Resort in Incheon, Korea.

Ganz’s work can currently be seen in an exhibition at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science until May 17th. NME - Teresa Ewers

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BEHIND THE SCENES

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Blushy & Whimsy

ne New Mexico company continues to make products that make its customers love and make them smile. Micaela Brown, the owner of Blush & Whimsy, is excited that her new product, The Celestial-Inspired Elune necklace, will be included in the gift bags for the 92nd Annual Academy Award® nominees. “We’re honored that Academy Awards attendees will experience the magic of our new products for themselves,” says Micaela Brown, founder, and CEO of Blush & Whimsy.

“Our business relies on amazing people with disabilities and disabled veterans from New Mexico to package, assemble, and ship each order, ensuring the utmost in quality and care.” Brown’s company has a focus on social entrepreneurship and promoting inclusion of all in their product lines. She launched the company on the foundation that everyone is beautiful, and it’s by celebrating what makes each person different that will redefine the meaning of true beauty. Brown is also known for her event, The Whiskey Classic. Learn more about her line at https://blushwhimsy. com/. - NME - Teresa Ewers

We’re honored that Academy Awards attendees will experience the magic of our new products for themselves.

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BETWEEN THE PAGES

CALIBAMA COOKING:

Classic & Contemporary Comfort Food

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hat do you get when you combine family roots from the heart of Dixie with a girl born and raised in California? You get some seriously delicious comfort food just like your grandmother used to make. With Lori Rogers known as Chef Lorious, you also get new and innovative twists on classic recipes we all love, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Lori “Chef Lorious” Rogers specializes in both classic and contemporary comfort food. Born in California and raised by a close-knit family anchored in southern tradition from Alabama, this “Calibama” girl learned very early that food cooked with love has the power to inspire and heal. In her first cookbook, Calibama Cooking, Lori puts it all together in a delicious collection of classic and contemporary food recipes perfect for any occasion.

“When you’re a California native with Alabama influences, you love

things like grits and collard greens, and you learn how to make an amazing sweet potato pie,” Lori explains. “Calibama is the intersection of where I grew up and where I’m really from. At the end of the day, knowing who I am and where I’ve come from is the foundation for my classic cooking style. Accepting where I am and embracing my future is the stepping-stone for my contemporary interpretation of what true comfort food is - food that makes you comfortable, brings a smile to your face, and reminds you of all the good in the world around you.”

This Valentine’s Day serve your family or someone special some of the delicious dishes in Calibama Cooking.

With each bite of her recipes, you are transported to a place that makes you feel loved and cherished, eating,

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reminiscing and talking about life at the table. Chef Lorious will have you laughing and cooking with stories of her childhood and family while simultaneously handing you a spoon inviting you to “taste this.” Some of the mouth-watering recipes in the book include: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Chipotle Deep-Fried Macaroniand-Cheese Balls Calibama Corn Fritters Smothered Pork Chops Lorious Chicken and Waffles Country Fried Steak and Gravy Lamb Chops in Madeira Wine Sauce Rosemary Seared Chicken Thighs Spicy Shrimp and Grits Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon and Garlic Mama’s Potato Salad Bourbon Peach Cobbler Sweet Potato Pie Pumpkin Brown-Sugar Pound Cake

Each recipe in Calibama Cooking has easy-to-follow instructions, full-color photos, tips and serving suggestions, and feel-good stories from Lori’s life that will make you laugh and want to eat.

“Recipes are what bring to life the endless combinations of both common and unique ingredients in a way that produces your very own signature style for others to enjoy!”

Lori says. “The ingredients of my life are my experiences combined with the family traditions that shaped me. For me, embracing who I am translated through the expression of cooking. I want others to experience what it is like to taste the expression of authenticity for their own enjoyment and inspiration!”

To learn more about Lori Rogers, or purchase her book, visit her website, www.ChefLorious.com.

Follow her on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram (@ChefLorious). NME - Teresa Ewers

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THE CUT

Anatolia

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am a fan of Mediterranean food!

Love it! But I am an avid lover of Sahara. So any new franchise had some big shoes to compete against.

My son came racing home one day to inform me of this new restaurant opening near the University called Anatolia. Not fully open yet, they allowed him to try some of their baklavas (yes, they have more than one), and they sat down and discussed dishes on the menu and the hopefulness that their place will do well. He informed me that he talked to the owners about the magazine and after much begging - really not much - we went to their grand opening the next day.

This wide space opens to a sea of blue. They could have fit quite a few tables in there, but choose to think of walking space for patrons and staff and kept them to a minimum. I meet the owners who are extremely warm and welcoming people and picked a spot in the restaurant to begin sampling the menu. While I think of baklava as a dessert, this is where we began. A bit on the syrupy side, the

taste screamed traditional. Every bite an experience. They have different flavors as well including peanut butter and chocolate and chocolate and banana. I also got to experience Turkish coffee. Needless to say, I was awake since last Tuesday. It was time to try some of the entrees. I had the Chef’s special - kabobs of chicken, lamb and spicy beef on a bed of rice with their house salad and hummus.

The chicken and lamb were full of flavor, combining well with the side items. The spicy beef, however, left me with mixed reviews. It was dry and didn’t seem to mix well with the other delectables on the plate. It was, in fact, the last thing I ate, not wanting to waste any food. We also tried their chicken dish, which was delightful, but the star of the menu, while one of the most expensive dishes is their lamb chops. Perfect cooking, flavor seeped into the bone and it was good to the last bite.

When it comes down to the final judgment, with a few tweaks to the menu, Anatolia stands to be a real contender. NME - Teresa Ewers

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FOLLOW-UP

The cast of The Killing of Two Lovers

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he Sundance Film Festival brought the world another year of amazing films, panels, and exhibitions. We had the opportunity to learn more about some of the projects and movies that made us excited about the event.

THE KILLING OF TWO LOVERS (NEXT) Divorce is never an easy experience.

In Robert Machoian’s new film, The Killing of Two Lovers, he examines the lives of a family being torn apart by the unpredictability of change and the addition of new people. Machoian witnessed the struggle of divorce first hand and wanted to create a story reflecting what divorce was really like.

“I have always wanted to make a film on marriage, a film about the raw, sloppy, imperfect aspects of marriage, but I wasn’t sure how. When two of my sister’s marriages were stretched to the brink of divorce, I finally saw it,” shared Machoian. “Late nights they would call and I would listen to them talk about their husbands erratic and bizarre behaviors, scrambling to do whatever they could to save what was left of the marriage they had let fall apart.” Machoian encouraged his sisters to get a divorce and move on but chose to stay in the situation.

It was then that he realized that he has not seen a film really depicted marriage, divorce and everything in

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Clayne Crawford appears in The Killing of Two Lovers by Robert Machoian. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Oscar Ignacio Jiminez.

between. The process of making this film had the cast looking at different avenues to find inspiration for their characters and the situation they are all experiencing. Clayne Crawford, who plays David, trying to salvage the marriage that is quickly falling apart, looked towards his family and the fear of losing them. “If you haven’t divorced someone that you love, you’ve seen people that have to separate, you know that there was that love there at one time and that’s what interesting about this piece. There’s no traditional villain. Everyone is trying to do the right thing,” shared Crawford. “But sometimes you get to the point that you can’t communicate anymore. So we witnessed it and it’s so heartbreaking - that’s why this piece is so special because anyone can relate to it whether it’s the children, or “Nikki” - everyone is going into this wanting to find happiness and sometimes it’s at the expense of others, which is heartbreaking.”

Chris Coy had a very interesting perspective on his character, Derek, Niki’s love interest, who many would think is the bad guy. “He just trying to find love and happiness and all the characters are in a different phrase of that pursuit,” says Coy. “I don’t think anyone of us is wrong in those pursuits...it would be easy to think that this guy’s the homewrecker... but in reality, we’re all human beings and we don’t all have the answers.

We’re all just doing our best to figure out what makes this [our heart] beat right and it’s okay if we misstep here and there in that pursuit.” The film covers all perspectives, feelings, and struggles. It’s an uneasy, difficult, and gut-wrecking view of what marriage is really like and the unfortunate reality of divorce and the effects it has. https:// claynecrawford.online/

Winston Duke and Zazie Beetz appear in Nine Days by Edson Oda. Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Wyatt Garfield.

NINE DAYS (U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION) In 2020, the topic of mental illness is still not at the forefront of discussion in this country. First time director,

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Nubiya Brandon appears in All Kinds of Limbo by Toby Coffey, Raffy Bushman, and Nubiya Brandon. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Edson Oda, plans to change all of that in the movie Nine Days. Oda had a star-studded cast in his first time out.

The film stars Winston Duke, Zaziev Beetz, Bill Skarsgard, Benedict Wong, and Tony Hale. Duke plays a reclusive man who interviews prospective candidates who recently passed the personification of human souls - for the opportunity to be born. The film discussed such topics as suicide and depression, a topic that is really discouraged to discuss in the black community. For Duke, that was one of the big reasons he took part in this film. “Quote from Duke.” Oda wants audiences to walk away from this film with hope, “Sometimes life can be freaking hard, but it’s worth it...it’s worth it.”

ALL KINDS OF LIMBO (NEW FRONTIER EXHIBITION) Take a moment to gather yourselves For the next few minutes, I ask that you lead me your ears Now, let it be clear as pure water, this, is not a Black British story Logically I can not be the messenger for any of my countrymen No, this is my story, my lonely island cast into dark shadowing waves that have left me in Limbo This exhibition was a lovely surprise to start the event. Nubiya Brandon takes you on a journey of discovery, taking you on a trip of definition and identity. Along with Toby Coffey, Raffy Bushman, musician Raffy Bushman, and the NuShape Orchestra, they take you through the genres of reggae, grime, classical and calypso

Nubiya Brandon appears in All Kinds of Limbo

by Toby Coffey, Raffy Bushman, and Nubiya Brandon. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

in a musical journey inspired by the influence of West Indian culture on the UK’s music scene. Immersive technologies, the ceremony of live performance and the craft of theatrical staging bring audiences into an exciting VR space. Brandon shared her reason behind the project. “The story is quite a personal story about my own journey through identity in Britain and I suppose I was challenging the idea of what the English Rose is and what it means to me.” Learn more about the production at https://www. nationaltheatre.org.uk/immersive/ projects/all-kinds-of-limbo STILL HERE (NEW FRONTIER EXHIBITION) If there was one exhibit that took a sucker punch to the gut it’s “Still Here.” The exhibition created by lead artists Zahra Rasool and Sarah Springer is an *immersive multimedia installation exploring incarceration, erasure, and gentrification through the lens of one woman who returns to Harlem after 15 years in prison. The

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The cast of Luxor

artists use VR and AR technologies to bring the character story to life, sharing the story of reclaiming space and identity in a changing black community. We experienced the VR, which took time as the experience

LeAsha Julius appears in Still Here by Zahra Rasool and Sarah Springer. Courtesy of Sundance Institute. Photo by Viktorija Mickute.

was emotional and took a toll. In a day and age of the “woke,” this exhibit truly focuses you to take a good look at what the black community experiences in order to survive in a world that is consistently judging on appearance and stereotypes. https:// ajcontrast.com/still-here.

LUXOR The cast of Luxor was excited to share their experiences working on the film.

Luxor, written and directed by Zeina Durra, tells the story of a British aid worker, Hana, who returns to the ancient city of Luxor. She comes across Sultan, a talented archaeologist, and former lover. Hana finds herself struggling to reconcile the past with

the uncertainty of the present. Durra shared her inspiration behind the movie. “I had a dream. I had a dream!” exclaimed Durra. “I had the flu and was analyzing my choices in life. I had this dream about Luxor. You can’t beat shooting in Luxor, so we kind of made it happen.”

Andrea Riseborough and Karim Saleh appear Luxor by Zeina Durra, an official selection of the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute.

Michael Landes was drawn by the beauty of Luxor and working with lead actor Andrea Riseborough.

He feels viewers will relate to her. “[Andrea] is such a strong actress that you...follow this woman healing and going on this journey.” Durra feels that viewers will leave the theater with a sense of hope and lessons learned. “I want them to understand what it’s like to be a broken person and put yourself back together. [It’s about] hope, second chances and the guy does not save you!” http://film-clinic.com/films/ luxor.php NME - Teresa Ewers

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EXTRAS

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ome see that products can always be improved. For Scott Feuille, his love of whiskey led him to take the bold move of changing the game.

His brand, Taylor Garrett, is making its debut on Saturday, February 8th, at a private party here in Albuquerque hosted by Vara Winery and Distillery.

Feuille shared how his breakthrough technology is needed in the whiskey field. “Traditional aging means that distillers have to wait years to get their carefully crafted spirits into the hands of the people that enjoy them,” said Scott Feuille, Founder, and Distiller.

“This is expensive and can be very frustrating for new distillers, often leading them to bottle someone else’s product while waiting for their own

to mature. With our breakthrough technology, Taylor Garrett can get our high-quality, artisanally-crafted spirits where they belong -- in the glasses of whiskey lovers -- without having to wait for it to sit around in a barrel for years.”

Taylor Garrett, named after his two youngest children, is a veteranowned company, felt that while he understands tradition, it was time to try something new. “The recent growth in demand for fine whiskeys has led to a shortage of many popular brands. Distillers putting spirit in barrels eight to twelve years ago had no way to foresee the surge in demand, and because of the time required to traditionally age, they are

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having trouble keeping their product on the shelves,” shared Feuille. “We’re not changing the tradition of the way whiskey is distilled. We honor the finest distilling traditions that ensure the highest quality raw spirit goes into our process, which eliminates the time required for aging. Why wait if you don’t have to?”

Feuille has traveled the globe and sampling some of the finest spirits the world has to offer. With a passion for distilling, Scott began his quest to craft the best-tasting whiskey on the market today. When it comes to a fine whiskey, Feuille know what he looks for. “What I look for in a fine whiskey is a good nose of vanilla and caramel and on the palate, the flavor of the grains as well as the smoothness and the flavors contributed by oak which includes vanilla, caramel, a little smoke and a nice lingering finish with no unpleasant aftertaste.”

For Feuille, Taylor Garrett is about something new and exciting for the world to witness it. “Taylor Garrett is about experiencing everything that well-aged, premium whiskey has to offer…the nose, the body, the flavors, the smoothness -- without the wait,”

says Scott.

“It has been said that the best whiskey in the world is the one you like to drink. By taking the mystique out of aging and creating a spirit that is a pleasure to sip and enjoy, I hope that everyone who drinks Taylor Garrett will consider it one of the best.”

To learn more about Taylor Garrett visit https://taylorgarrettspirits.com/.

NME - Teresa Ewers

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 15, 2020

LUCIE BLUE TRIO Las Puertas https://www.facebook.com/ events/148890299878434/

FEBRUARY 6TH-9TH Fiddler on the Roof 7:00pm James A Little Theater School for the Deaf 1060 Cerrillos Rd Santa Fe, NM 87505 theatresantafe.org

FEBRUARY 23RD We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered 3:00pm Popejoy Hall 203 Cornell Dr Albuquerque, NM 87131 popejoypresents.com

FEBRUARY 8TH Taylor Garrett Whiskey Launch Party VARA Wines 315 Alameda Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87113 taylorgarrettspirits.com FEBRUARY 14TH NME Movie Night presents True Romance 10:30pm Guild Cinema 3405 Central Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87106 nmentertains.com FEBRUARY 15TH Lucie Blue Trio 7:00pm Las Puertas 1512 1st St NW Albuquerque, NM 87102 https://www.facebook.com/ events/148890299878434/

February 23, 2020

CARPENTERS REMEMBERED Popejoy Hall https://www.facebook.com/ events/148890299878434/

Submit events and photos to NMEntEvents@gmail.com • View full calendar at NMEntertains.com N e w M ex ic o Ent ert ainment I

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SIGHTSEEING January was all about Sundance and whiskey!

New Mexico Entertainment was excited to take part once again in covering The Sundance Film Festival. Take a look at just some of the moments. Plus moments from the Taylor Garrett Whiskey Launch. Photos by M.T. West and Teresa Ewers.

2020 Sundance Film Festival ÂŽPhotos by M.T. West

Taylor Garrett Whiskey Launch ÂŽPhotos by Teresa Robinson-Ewers

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